Upgrade of Kolkata, Chennai airports to cost Rs 1,000 cr more

Modernisation of Chennai and Kolkata airports is expected to cost an additional Rs 1,000 crore over and above the original estimate of Rs 3,750 crore.

"The original estimates have increased and the modernisation of both the airports is expected to cost about Rs 2,300 crore each," Planning Commission sources told PTI, adding, the issue came up during a meeting to review the implementation of the decisions of high-powered Committee on Infrastructure, which is headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved modernisation of the two airport projects in August 2008 at a cost of over Rs 3,750 crore and the work was to be completed within three years.

Although the projects are likely to cost more, the work is likely to be completed within stipulated time, the official said without specifying the reasons for the cost escalation.

The Airport Authority of India (AAI), which is implementing the projects, has informed the CoI that work has started on modernisation of the two airports.

After completion of the projects, the two airports will be at par with those at Delhi and Mumbai. Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel had approval of the modernisation schemes.